Study Validates High Colon Cancer Threat

JANUARY 01, 2006

Cancers of the colon and rectum pose an added
threat for men and women with diabetes. Swedish
researchers reached this conclusion following an analysis
of data from 15 studies, which included >2.5 million
participants. Nearly all of the studies had shown an
association between diabetes and colon cancer. Some
inconsistencies were present, however, including
whether the link was seen in both men and women.

Reporting in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute
(November 16, 2005), the researchers found that diabetes
raised the risk of colorectal cancer by 30%. Further investigation
found no major difference between men and
women. Diabetes increased the risk of colon and rectal
cancers to a similar extent, by 43% and 33%, respectively.